Friar Works: Franciscan Ministry And Mission - Franciscan Friars - Province of St. John the Baptist in Cincinnati, Ohio




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missionary heroes

Back in 2000, when Br. Mark Gehret volunteered for the first Franciscan mission in Jamaica, no one was surprised. Ever since he entered religious life, this soft-spoken friar has lived and ministered among the poor, from the Ninth Ward of New Orleans to the hills of Appalachia. He’s taken with him the values he learned as a farmer’s kid in Ft. Loramie, Ohio: hard work; love for the land; and a desire to be of service. Mark’s spirituality has always been tempered by practicality, hands-on outreach in the form of mechanical, plumbing and electrical expertise. In Hazard, Ky., he re-wired homes for those unable to afford a contractor. In New Orleans, he kept everything up and running. In Negril, Jamaica, he oversaw the construction of a church addition. One of his greatest gifts is as a musical missionary, sharing his talent for singing and playing the guitar with every community he serves. Back in New Orleans since 2006, Mark is helping to revive Katrina-ravaged St. Mary of the Angels Parish. He says that being a Franciscan “gives me the opportunity to be a ‘Brother’ to people.”

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		Post a prayer request, send a St. Anthony e-card, or read about the life and prayers of St. Anthony. And become a partner in the work of the Franciscans by donating to St. Anthony Bread at www.stanthony.org. Subscribe to St. Anthony’s Breadbasket—e-news from Br. Brian P. Maloney, OFM

Introduction

Welcome! I hope you are having a peace-filled summer and have an opportunity to find some relaxing time. I am glad you dropped by our website. There are many good things to read about the friars and our life and ministry.

Friars Works / Franciscan Ministry and Mission is the office that generates charitable gifts that support our ministries and missions, our infirm and retired friars and our men in formation. The support of benefactors enables us to do some really good work.


		Friars' Work
		Friars' Work

James Van Vurst, OFM – A Friar of many talents

Fr. James Van Vurst, OFM, has led a colorful and vivid life of ministry in his 57 years as a Franciscan Friar. Jim is a man of many talents and gifts that he continues to share with his brothers and all who know him.

After Jim’s ordination, he began a long tenure at Duns Scotus College in Southfield, Mich., where he served as educator, registrar and President of the College. While at Duns Scotus, he was also the Guardian of the community. If that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, he also served five years as an instructor at the Providence Hospital School of Nursing in Southfield. Jim has always enjoyed education and was a teacher to many hose who are friars today.

From 1981-1990, Fr. Jim served his brothers in provincial administration as our Provincial Vicar in the province of St. John the Baptist. Here again, Jim proved that his interest in and love for the friars was the first priority in his life.

In 1991, Jim became the Director of Pastoral Care for St. Leonard’s, a retirement community in Centerville, Ohio, serving the senior residents in sacramental ministry for 11 years.

Jim continues to reach out in ministry today. He now serves as the spiritual assistant to the Bentivoglio Federation of Poor Clares, giving retreats to the Sisters and assisting them at Chapter Meetings, offering guidance for governing their monasteries. Jim also serves the province as the director of our Provincial Database and assists the St. Anthony Messenger Press in its Internet ministry.

Jim likes to stay busy. He has developed a love of painting, using watercolors and oils as his medium, exhibiting his beautiful works in shows and winning numerous awards. Jim enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for painting with others and says it’s a great form of relaxation.

Keep going strong, Jim! We wish you well!